BUTUAN CITY – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is facing calls for greater transparency from his administration, with a Palace official urging him to demonstrate that he is not a weak leader.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that the President should openly express his thoughts and feelings to the public.
Castro noted that while the President’s campaign rallies have focused on the platforms of his supported senatorial candidates, it is important for him to directly communicate his stance and assert his strength as a leader. She stated that this transparency would help convey to the people that Marcos is resolute and not a weak leader.
Castro’s comments come in the wake of remarks made by former President Rodrigo Duterte, who had previously criticized Marcos in November 2021 as “a weak leader.” Duterte’s comments were tied to his decision to exclude Marcos from a potential coalition with his daughter, Sara Duterte’s Lakas-CMD party.
Despite these criticisms, Marcos has continued to campaign with his endorsed candidates, making speeches that include firm statements about the integrity of his slate.
In one instance, Marcos made a direct distinction between his candidates and the controversial actions linked to the Duterte administration, such as the war on drugs and the government’s dealings during the pandemic.
The President’s campaign rhetoric has also included notable statements addressing past administration issues. During a rally, Marcos took the opportunity to assert that his senatorial candidates had no involvement in the alleged killings associated with Duterte’s war on drugs or any corruption during the pandemic.
Marcos also dismissed any threats or offensive remarks from his camp, calling attention to the safety of his candidates.
The remarks follow a tense political atmosphere where Duterte allies have downplayed the ex-President’s earlier controversial comments as mere jokes.
